Strawberry plant named ‘PS-3395’

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct everbearing variety of strawberry plant named ‘PS-3395’ primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California. The new variety is primarily characterized by strongly concave foliage, light green color, rounded terminal leaflet base and teeth, large foliar bract leaflets, large stipules, conical fruit shape both of the primaries and secondaries, large seeds, even fruit surface, high fruit gloss, strong skin firmness, excellent flavor, slightly seedy fruit surface, dark flesh color, slightly reflexed calyx, large bract leaflets on the fruiting trusses and fruit and flowers characteristically above the foliage.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Fragaria ananassa.

Variety denomination: ‘PS-3395’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct everbearing strawberry variety designated as ‘PS-3395’. This new variety is a result of a controlled cross made in 1995 between ‘PS-118’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,205) and ‘PS-1269’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,686). The variety is botanically known as Fragaria ananassa. The new variety was discovered by the inventors, Stephen M. Ackerman, Steven D. Nelson, and Michael D. Nelson.

The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was asexually propagated by stolons in a nursery located in Siskiyou County, Calif., and was subsequently selected from a controlled breeding plot in Salinas, Calif. in 1997. After its selection, the new variety was further asexually propagated in both Siskiyou County, Calif. and San Joaquin County, Calif. by stolons. The new variety was then extensively tested over the next several years in the fruiting fields of Salinas, Calif. This propagation has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing the new variety are fixed and remain true to type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

‘PS-3395’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the central coast of California. This region provides the necessary winter temperatures required for it to produce a strong vigorous plant and to remain in fruit production from April through November. The nearby Pacific Ocean provides the needed humidity and moderate temperatures to maintain fruit quality during the spring and summer production months. The following list of traits in combination define ‘PS-3395’ as a unique variety distinguishing it from other closely related commercial varieties in the region:

1. Strongly concave foliage, light green color, rounded terminal leaflet base and teeth, large foliar bract leaflets, large stipules;

2. conical fruit shape both of the primaries and secondaries, large seeds, even fruit surface, high fruit gloss, strong skin firmness, excellent flavor, slightly seedy fruit surface, dark flesh color;

3. slightly reflexed calyx,

4. large bract leaflets on the fruiting trusses; and

5. fruit and flowers characteristically above the foliage.

The varieties which are believed to be most closely related to ‘PS-3395’ are ‘PS-592’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,903), ‘PS-1150’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,780) and ‘PS-1269’.

In comparison to the similar variety, ‘PS-592’, ‘PS-3395’ differs by the following combination of characteristics. The plant of ‘PS-3395’ is less vigorous, smaller in size and slightly lighter in color than ‘PS-592’. The foliage is smaller in size with stronger interveinal leaf blistering. The leaf shape is more strongly concave with shallower serrations. The length to width ratio of the terminal leaflet is as long as broad as compared to much longer than broad for ‘PS-592’. The fruit of ‘PS-3395’ is smaller in size, darker in color with firmer skin and better overall flavor than ‘PS-592’. The seeds tend to be more above the surface of the fruit with a darker internal color. The fruit shape is as long as broad as compared to ‘PS-592’ which tends to be slightly longer than broad. The fruiting trusses tend to be shorter in overall length yet much more visible above the plant than ‘PS-592’.

In comparison to the similar variety, ‘PS-1150’, ‘PS-3395’ differs by the following combination of characteristics. The plant of ‘PS-3395’ is larger in size and slightly lighter in color than ‘PS-1150’. The foliage is larger in size, stronger in gloss with stronger interveinal leaf blistering than ‘PS-1150’. The leaf shape is more strongly concave in shape than ‘PS-1150’. Bract leaflets are larger in size and tend to occur much more often on the petioles. The fruit of ‘PS-3395’ is larger in size with better overall flavor. The seeds tend to be more above the surface of the fruit while the calyx tends to be more reflexed as compared to ‘PS-1150’. The fruiting trusses of ‘PS-3395’ are medium in length with less anthocyanin than ‘PS-1150’.

In comparison to the similar variety, ‘PS-1269’, ‘PS-3395’ differs by the following combination of characteristics. The foliage of ‘PS-3395’ has a stronger interveinal leaf blistering and stronger overall gloss than ‘PS-1269’. The fruit of ‘PS-3395’ is smaller in size and stronger in overall gloss with better appearance ratings and overall flavor. The internal flesh color is darker, while the seeds tend to be more above the surface of the fruit. The calyx segments tend to be more reflexed with less of a difference in shape between primaries and secondaries as compared to ‘PS-1269’.

For identification a series of molecular markers have been determined for this new variety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying color photographs show typical specimens of the new variety at various stages of development as nearly true as it is possible to make in color reproductions. The depicted plant and plant parts were approximately 7 to 9 months old:

FIG. 1 shows typical fruiting field characteristics on Jun. 10, 2002.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a typical mature tri-foliate on Jul. 3, 2002.

FIG. 3 shows typical mature and immature field fruit on Jun. 10, 2002.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of fruit on Jul. 1, 2002.

FIG. 5 shows typical internal and external fruit characteristics on Aug. 1, 2002.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following description of ‘PS-3395’ unless otherwise noted, is based on observations taken during the 2002 growing season in Salinas, Calif. These measurements and ratings were taken from plants dug from a high-elevation nursery located in Siskiyou County, Calif. during the middle of October 2001 and planted approximately 3 weeks later in Salinas, Calif. The approximate age of the observed plants is 7 to 8 months. Yield observations and fruit quality characteristics are averaged from data collected during the 1999 through 2002 production seasons. The characteristics of the new variety may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and location. ‘PS-3395’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Color terminology where noted follows the Munsell Book of Colors, Munsell Color, Baltimore, Md. (1976).

Fruit Characteristics

‘PS-3395’ fruit, fruit production and fruit quality characteristics. Fruit characteristics are taken from secondary fruit on a first year planting.

TABLE 1 1999-2002 market fruit yield, fruit size and runner production characteristics of ‘PS-3395’ with standards from Salinas, California. 1999-2002 1999-2002 1999-2002 Average Average Average 1999-2002 April/May Total Yield Fruit Size Average Cultivar Yield GM/PL GM/PL GRM Runners/PL ‘PS-3395’ 200 1,351 22.9 1.8 ‘PS-592’ 255 1,633 24.3 0.4 ‘PS-1150’ 138 1,327 18.8 0.5 ‘PS-1269’ 263 1,454 24.7 0.4 Fruit was harvested from April through October 1999-2002. The plants of ‘PS-3395’ were dug from a high elevation nursery (Macdoel, California) during the middle of October and planted approximately 3 weeks later in Salinas, California. # ‘PS-3355’ is compared to the following standards dug and planted comparably to ‘PS-3395’.

TABLE 2 Comparison of secondary fruit characteristics of ‘PS-3395’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jun. 13, 2002. Character ‘PS-3395’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Munsell Color 7.5R 3/8 to 7.5R 3/12 to 7.5R 4/10 to 7.5R 3/10 to Range 4/10 4/12 3/8 4/10 Mature Fruit Fruit Length 4.04 3.95 3.79 4.13 mean (cm) Fruit Width 4.04 4.02 3.86 3.95 mean (cm)* Fruit Length/ 1.0 0.98 1.05 1.29 Width Ratio Calyx Diameter 5.1 5.4 5.1 5.2 mean (cm) No. Sepals/ 14.1 14.1 14.7 14.2 Berry Seed Weight 0.67 0.6 0.5 0.6 mean (mgs) *Width is measured across the widest part of the berry, typically across the shoulders

TABLE 3 Comparison of 1990-2002 fruit quality characteristics, including flavor and soluble solids of ‘PS-3395’, with standards from Salinas, California. Character ‘PS-3395’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Skin Firmness* 8.3 7.7 8.3 8.1 Fruit Appearance* 8.1 7.9 8.2 7.3 Fruit Gloss* 8.2 8.2 8.5 7.2 Flavor** 4.0 3.4 3.0 3.2 Soluble Solids*** 9.9 10.0 8.1 9.6 *Results are averaged from 4 years of replicated holding test performed from April through October 1999-2002. Ratings are based on a scale from 1-10; the higher the rating, the stronger the skin and more attractive and glossy the berry. **Results are averaged from tests performed from May through September 2002. Ratings are based on a scale from 1-5; the higher the rating the better the flavor. ***Results are averaged from tests performed from May through September 2002. Soluble solid content is measured in percent Brix, with percent Brix being an indirect measurement of the sugar content in the fruit.

Fruit:

Ratio of length/width.—As long as broad.

Size.—Medium.

Predominant shape.—Conical.

Difference in shapes between primary and secondary fruit.—None or very slight to slight.

Band without achenes.—Narrow.

Unevenness of surface.—Absent or very weak.

Color of mature fruit.—Red.

Color of immature fruit.—Light to medium whitish yellow (10Y 8.5/4 to 8/6).

Evenness of color.—Even.

Glossiness.—Strong.

Insertion of achenes.—Level with to above the surface.

Insertion of calyx.—Level with to in the basin.

Attitude of the calyx segments.—Spreading to slightly reflexed.

Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter.—Slightly larger.

Adherence of calyx (when fully ripe).—Strong.

Firmness of skin.—Strong.

Firmness of flesh.—Firm.

Color of flesh.—Medium to dark red (7.5R 4/12 to 3/12).

Distribution of red color of the flesh.—Marginal to central.

Hollow center.—Weakly to moderately expressed.

Receptacle color.—Whitish (N9.25/84.2%R to N9/78.7%R).

Seed color.—Dark yellow to dark red (5Y 5/6 to 7.5R 2/8).

Time of flowering ( 50 % of plants at first flower).—Early.

Time of ripening ( 50 % of plants with first ripe fruit).—Early.

Time of ripening (length of time from flower to maturity).—27.5 days in mid summer.

Type of bearing.—Fully remontant.

Plant Characteristics

‘PS-3395’ plant characteristics. Plant characteristics are taken from a fully mature mid season plant.

TABLE 4 Comparison of plant characteristics of ‘PS-3395’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jul. 13, 2002. Character ‘PS-3395’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Plant Height 27.4 34.1 26.4 27.6 mean (cm) Plant Spread 29.8 35.4 28.2 30.7 mean (cm) Crowns/Plant (mean) 4.6 6.3 5.2 3.8

Plant:

Size.—Medium.

Habit.—Globose.

Density.—Medium.

Vigor.—Medium.

Stolons:

Number.—Medium.

Anthocyanin coloration.—Strong.

Thickness.—Thick.

Pubescence.—Medium.

Foliage Characteristics

‘PS-3395’ foliage characteristics. Foliage characteristics are taken from a fully mature tri-foliate during mid season.

TABLE 5 Comparison of leaf characteristics of ‘PS-3395’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jun. 13, 2002. Character ‘PS-3395’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Munsell Color 5GY 3/4 to 7.5GY 4/4 to 7.5GY 4/4 to 7.5GY 3/4 to Range 3/6 3/4 3/4 3/6 (upper surface) Terminal 8.1 10.0 7.9 8.4 Leaflet Length mean (cm) Terminal 8.1 8.6 6.9 8.5 Leaflet Width mean (cm) Terminal 1.00 1.20 1.10 1.00 Leaflet ratio (L/W) Petiole Length 16.6 20.8 18.9 18.6 mean (cm) Petiole Width 4.2 5.4 4.1 4.7 mean (mm) Petiolule 10.0 12.1 9.2 12.9 Length mean (mm) Serrations/Leaf 22.4 20.1 21.0 22.6 Serration 5.6 7.7 5.0 5.5 Depth mean (mm) Stipule Length 3.3 3.0 3.2 2.9 mean (cm) Stipule Width 2.0 1.7 1.8 2.0 mean (cm)

Foliage:

Color of upper surface.—Light to medium green.

Color of under side.—Medium gray green (7.5GY 5/4 to 6/4).

Shape in cross section.—Strongly concave.

Blistering.—Strong.

Glossiness.—Strong.

Number of leaflets/leaf.—Three.

Terminal leaflet:

Size.—Medium.

Length/width ratio.—As long as broad.

Shape of base.—Rounded.

Shape of incision of margins.—Rounded.

Depth of serrations.—Medium.

Petiole:

Pubescence.—Sparse to moderate.

Stipule color.—Light to medium green.

Anthocyanin coloration of stipule.—Weak to medium.

Attitude of hairs.—Slightly outward to strongly outward.

Size of bract leaflets.—Medium to large.

Frequency of bract leaflets.—Occur on approximately 50% of the petioles.

Flowers and Inflorescences

‘PS-3395’ inflorescence and flower characteristics. Inflorescence characteristic are taken from a fully mature plant during mid season. Flower characteristics are taken from a secondary flower during mid season at full maturity:

TABLE 6 Comparison of inflorescence and secondary flower characteristics of ‘PS-3395’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jun. 12, 2002. Character ‘PS-3395’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Fruiting Truss Length* 33.3 35.6 32.7 33.7 mean (cm) Corolla Diameter 28 31 30 30 mean (mm) Calyx Diameter 40 38 39 39 mean (mm) Petal Length 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.1 mean (mm) Petal Width 1.1 1.4 1.2 1.2 mean (mm) Petal L/W Ratio 1.09 0.93 1.08 0.92 Petals/Flower (mean) 6.0 6.7 7.1 7.1 Sepal Length 17 16 16 14 mean (mm) Sepal Width 8 5 6 7 mean (mm) Sepal L/W Ratio 2.13 3.2 2.7 2.0 Sepals/Flower (mean) 11.9 13.1 12.8 13.9 Stamens/Flower (mean) 30.4 31.2 30.8 27.3 Pistils/Flower(mean) 691 561 415 689 *as measured from the base of the primary peduncle where it attaches to the crown of the plant to the furthest berry.

Inflorescence:

Position relative to foliage.—Level with to above.

Pubescence.—Medium to strong.

Anthocyanin.—Light.

Number of bract leaflets per truss.—1 to 2.

Size of bract leaftlets.—Large to very large.

Fruiting truss length.—Medium.

Flowers:

Color.—White.

Size.—Medium.

Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Larger.

Relative position of.—Overlapping.

Petal length/width ratio.—Longer than broad.

Pest Reactions

This new variety may not be resistant to any of the known insects, diseases or viruses common in California. It is known to be moderately susceptible to the two-spotted spider mite and aphid and a higher susceptibility to flower thrips. It is also known to be moderately susceptible to grey fruit mold and slightly susceptible to powdery mildew. The susceptibility of the new variety to any of the virus complexes of California has not been determined. 

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct strawberry plant named ‘PS-3395’, as herein described and illustrated by the characteristics set forth above. 